FIRE! FIRE!

One of the worst things that can happen to anyone is a house or building fire. Fires move fast and most untrained people can not stop them past the 2nd stage or growth stage. In this post I'll go over some very important information and how to prevent fires, how to stop them once they have started and what to do if you can't and what to do after a fire has happened. We will start with the most common house/building fires then talk about wildfires.

As usual, I will post any relevant links for info or gear at the end.

Building/Home fire safety:

Everyone has heard "Fire prevention starts with you!" or something along these lines. But most people disregard these saying. The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) says from 2014 to 2018 there were 382,399 house fires resulting in 2,746 deaths. lets talk about essential equipment!

Fire Alarms- one on every level, one outside every bedroom, one inside every bedroom. "Smart" alarms can trigger a phone alert and integrate into your smart devices such as lights, security systems, and others. Test at least 2 times a year, it's recommend every month.

CO Alarms- one on every level, located near any source of emissions. Many alarms are now combo CO/smoke. "smart" alarms do the same as their Fire counterparts. Regular testing should occur with your fire alarms. CO is a silent odorless killer.

Extinguishers- At least one 5 Lbs ABC in kitchen, basement, furnace/hearth, and garage. Make sure you are buying the right one, ABC covers mostly everything. learn how to use them and the PASS system.

Fire escapes/ladders: Definitely something homes or buildings with more than 1 story need.

There are many manufacturers and different products to choose from. Put them in an easily accessible area!

Residential sprinklers- Expensive, but there are ways to reduce cost talk to your insurance company. Most house fires can be completely put out before Firefighters arrive with home sprinklers.

Plans:

Its a great idea to have a plan for a house fire. It's an even better idea to actually practice these plans! If you or your family are having trouble with these your local fire department is happy to help. call them up and ask for the Fire safety or fire prevention officers' contact info or ask if they have any material. If you're having trouble with that you can look up great stuff on NFPA or Red cross etc. Stop drop and roll!, Stay low and go!

Practice: You and your family should practice your fire plan at least two times a year.

practice evacuating each part of the house with "fire" in different locations. Practice the use of the fire escapes or ladders too. Make sure everyone knows their role in an actual emergency so that no one is left behind. A set meeting spot away from the house such as a lamp post or mailbox and should be the only spot anyone should plan to meet so that everyone can be accounted for. Call your local Fire department if you want training on the use of fire extinguishers as well. IF the fire is still small and you are able to safely put it out grab your extinguisher and use the PASS system. NEVER go back in for items or animals. New construction housing can become structurally unsafe in a matter of minutes when exposed to fire.

Home Fire safety tips: Here is a few things you can do to help prevent fires at home.

Stay in the kitchen while cooking.

Clean and service your dryer.

Get your chimney or pipes cleaned yearly if you use them.

Don't use mulch around the perimeter of the house.

Make sure your furnace is maintained and serviced.

Keep anything flammable away from heat sources such as Candles, heaters, vents, stoves, dryers, and such.

Don't smoke in the house.

Don't overload outlets, multi-outlet strips, and extension cords.

There is a ton more, check with your fire department or online for a complete list.

Wild Fires/ Brush fires/ Forest Fires:

This is a completely different animal than house fires even though one could lead to the other or vice versa. We will focus mostly on how to help reduce the risk of wildfires reaching your home and inner parts of your property today. Then we can talk about evacuations and other items.

Prevention: Forest fire prevention on your property isn't just about you! Especially if you live in moderate to heavily wooded areas like me. First off is "fuel" for the fire. Now the term "fuel" does not mean gas, it refers to anything that would feed the fire and allow it to continue to burn and or spread. Dead grass or other plants, mulch, dry trees, or particularly flammable trees i.e pine fur and birch. Wood chips, hayfields, and more are easy fuels for fire. Even one ember could start the whole yard or neighborhood ablaze. Removing or limiting these things can help reduce the risk greatly. Take proper care of your yard specifically around your house.

Green things don't burn as easily! Proper spacing when building structures or trimming trees should be considered. Not only is having limbs overhanging your house a possibility of damage it also contributes to your wildfire risk. If you have Large properties, Consider making fire "breaks" or gaps in your property where there is no fuel to help stop fires that do occur.

Remember, it only takes one ember!

Here is a link that better explains what I am saying from Readyforwildfire.org

https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/get-ready/defensible-space/#:~:text=Trim%20trees%20regularly%20to%20keep,from%20around%20and%20under%20decks.

Practice: let's talk about the practice of if a fire does break out near or around your community or house, and what to do if you have to evacuate.

Here are some ideas on things to help save your house and property*

If the fire threat is probable, take action quickly. DO NOT DELAY!

NOTE: If the fire is approaching fast and is close, Just go! you can't replace lives.

Start by gathering your family and pets, PACK YOUR GEAR FOR EVAC!!

Once all your stuff is packed it's time to fortify. start by turning on your irrigation system if you have one installed. If not you should have bought some recommend sprinklers, it's time to use them! Place your sprinklers as far out as possible, in the direction of the fire's travel. Next, adjust them to the widest pattern each and set them to spray full pressure if you have that setting to reach the maximum area with the most water. Next would be your house itself. In my opinion, sprinklers on your rooftop permanently would be best but make do with what you have, you want your roof wet and your siding to be wet as well to try and take the brunt of the heat out of the fire and stop and embers or flames from reaching it. After that, if you have any other measures to take such as boarding your eves, do them and it's time to go. Pack yourself and everyone in to the vehicles and go.

Leave with enough time to have a good window of escape, don't wait till the fire is knocking on your backdoor. In your plans you should have practiced your evac routes and alternates. Where you go is up to you and your plans, but you should be well out out the danger of the fire reaching your evac point. Outside security cameras would be a good way to check on your property or house at this point or checking in with local authorities.

But under no circumstance should you reenter the danger zone until told by authorities that it is safe to do so!

Equipment:

https://amzn.to/3hALTgV First alert aerosol can fire extinguisher 2 pack

https://amzn.to/2ZST8L5 First alert 5lb ABC fire extinguisher

https://amzn.to/2P4yNwh Kidde Fire ladder 2 stories (13 feet)

https://amzn.to/3jzPpK2 First alert combo fire and CO alarm smart(zwave)

https://amzn.to/3f0hLtn telescoping 40ft diameter sprinkler

https://amzn.to/2ZXCQ3I 100ft heavy duty 3/4th garden hose

https://amzn.to/3jBWHgo Rooftop sprinkler 3300 sq ft

https://amzn.to/32OoWTa rooftop sprinkler iron owl

*This blog is not intended to substitute actual training of fire suppression. Fighting fire is dangerous and should be left to professionals. Any tip or equipment given here is used at own risk and Fireside Gear can not be held responsible for any action taken.